And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?”
Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”
— Matthew 26:25
At the last Passover, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples during a moment of deep tension. By this point, He had already told them that He would be crucified, and He had also revealed that one of them would betray Him.
And being deeply grieved, each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?”
— Matthew 26:22
There is a small but significant distinction between how the other disciples responded to Jesus’ statement and how Judas responded.
Notice that when Judas speaks, he addresses Jesus as “Rabbi,” which means “teacher.” This was not an incorrect title—Jesus is indeed a teacher, and many rightly called Him that. However, in this crucial moment, the other disciples addressed Him as “Lord.”
This subtle difference reveals something deeper about their hearts. While the other disciples, in their distress, related to Jesus as Lord, Judas still approached Him merely as a teacher.
This distinction may seem small, but its implications are profound. It confronts us with an important question: How do we truly see Jesus?
If there is one mistake we must avoid, it is misunderstanding who Jesus is. Our perception of Him will ultimately shape our response to Him. If we see Him only as a teacher, our commitment may remain shallow. But if we truly recognize Him as Lord, our lives will reflect surrender and obedience.
In today’s world, many view Jesus in limited ways—some see Him as a prophet, others as a moral teacher, and still others as a historical or political figure. While there may be elements of truth in these descriptions, they all fall short of capturing the fullness of who He is.
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Matthew 16:15–16
Peter’s confession stands as the true and complete revelation of Jesus’ identity. Jesus affirmed that this understanding was not human in origin, but revealed by God the Father.
Having a correct view of Jesus is essential to a genuine relationship with Him. Therefore, we must be intentional in aligning our understanding with what Scripture reveals.
Jesus is not merely a prophet, a teacher, or a good example to follow. He is the Son of God—the promised Messiah—who came to take away the sin of the world and to destroy the works of the devil.
As we journey through Holy Week, leading up to Resurrection Sunday, may we be careful to examine our perception of Jesus. Let it not be shaped by culture or incomplete ideas, but by the truth of Scripture.
And as we see Him rightly, may our relationship with Him grow deeper, marked by faith, reverence, and wholehearted devotion.
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